JAMMU: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Jammu organised an awareness walkathon on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir 100 Days Campaign.

The walkathon was organised in collaboration with J&K Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (JKSPYM) Targeted Intervention (TI) Project Jammu, supported by the Jammu & Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS), Department of Health & Medical Education, Government of J&K and JKSPYM Outreach and Drop-in Centre (ODIC) Jammu.

The programme was held under the guidance of Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairman DLSA Jammu Ravinder Nath Watal and under the supervision of Civil Judge (Sr. Div.) and Secretary DLSA Jammu Maleeka Sharma,

The walkathon was flagged off from South Block, Bahu Plaza, by Panel Lawyers, Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs) and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of DLSA Jammu. It proceeded via RBI Chowk and Railway Station Chowk to Panama Chowk. Students of Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government PG College for Women, Gandhinagar and Government Maulana Azad Memorial PG College, Jammu, joined JKSPYM staff, Panel Lawyers, LADCs, PLVs and members of the public.

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material was distributed during the event, covering drug abuse prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services, human rights, legal aid services and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Participants were informed about the heightened vulnerability of Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) to HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C through unsafe injection practices and the role of harm reduction services and Targeted Intervention Projects in HIV prevention. Information on DLSA's free legal aid services was also shared.

Rohit Abrol of JKSPYM TI Project Jammu stated drug abuse is a serious public health and social challenge requiring collaborative effort. He said: "The drug menace is a public menace and not merely a government issue. The public must actively support the Government's efforts in eradicating this challenge. Together, through awareness, responsibility and community participation, we can protect our youth and build a drug-free society."

The programme concluded with a pledge by all participants to support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir 100 Days Campaign.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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